Specification Uplifts Required to Achieve the New GLA Targets
Posted on January 31st 2023
From January 2023, GLA guidance will result in new applications needing to enhance their energy efficiency specifications. All existing London Plan CO2 reduction targets will now apply over the Part L 2021 baseline, which in practice represents a tougher target than the previous Part L 2013 baseline. The 10% Be Lean (i.e. energy efficiency) target when applied over Part L …
The Government’s £32m Heat Network Efficiency Scheme
Posted on January 31st 2023
Recent high fuel costs, and longstanding heat network inefficiencies have been to the detriment of heat network customers. However, the Government’s £32m Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) provides a route to lock in long-term running cost and carbon savings. Commencing in February 2023, the HNES will provide grant support to existing heat networks or communal heating projects that are operating …
How to Avoid Overheating Complaints
Posted on January 31st 2023
Developers are increasingly likely to receive overheating queries as climate change continues to cause temperatures to rise. This is particularly important for those with an ongoing interest in developments, such as landlords, or those involved in multi-phase developments, because: Overheating issues are appearing more often in mainstream media; the Met Office recently stated that 2022 was the warmest year on …
Mandated Audits for Circular Economy Statements
Posted on January 31st 2023
The GLA are holding up planning applications if results from independent pre-demolition or pre-redevelopment audits are excluded from circular economy statements. These two audits lay the groundwork for the how material use will be managed in line with the principles of a circular economy. A pre-demolition audit is required for brownfield sites without existing buildings. It is a detailed inventory …
Hodkinson Outlook 2023
Posted on December 20th 2022
2022 was eventful, will 2023 be the same? To help work the impact in 2023 we have listed our key thoughts for 2023 across four sections: Design considerations Planning requirements in London but could be extended elsewhere Operational requirements What to look for that will impact you in the coming years. Design considerations Part L 2013 transition period ends Any …
The New Opportunities Unlocked through Be Seen
Posted on November 30th 2022
There are key benefits to developers of monitoring energy use under the GLA Be Seen requirements, but these will not be achieved through the minimum requirements alone. With the cost of energy high on everyone’s agenda, demonstrating that a project will be monitoring energy use can be a key sales feature and provide comfort to customers. Knowing how actual energy …
How New Energy Bill Supports Heat Networks
Posted on November 30th 2022
New Regulations under the Energy Prices Act 2022 oblige heat network operators to ‘pass-through’ savings on fuel costs from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS). Notifications to customers of any benefit should have been issued by November 30th (or 30 days after receiving a benefit, whichever is the later) and operators must pass-through the benefit by the time the next …
Is Water Neutrality Now As Important As Carbon Neutrality?
Posted on November 30th 2022
Planned development in water stress areas is expected to come under increasing pressure to show how it is water neutral. This is where a development results in no increase to an existing site’s water usage, which for some developments will be very challenging to demonstrate. This is becoming a planning requirement in certain locations due to cumulative water management problems …
How to Ensure PV Improves EPC Ratings for Flats
Posted on November 30th 2022
EPC ratings can be improved by using approved photovoltaic sharing technology. This links the energy from PV to the apartments rather than the landlord’s area. Dwelling EPCs ratings do not benefit from PV panels linked to the landlord supply. The CO2 emissions do however account for the reduction. The technology consists of a power division control system placed between a …
Building Physics Key to Healthy and Energy Efficient Retrofits
Posted on October 27th 2022
Mitigating heat losses and condensation in retrofits reduces heating bills while providing comfort. A whole building approach should be considered when improving thermal comfort. This requires controlling U-values, thermal bridges, material selection and controlled and uncontrolled ventilation rates. The following are well documented challenges with retrofit: Spatial restrictions impact the amount of insulation that can be added to improve the …